The title will be reissued in several enticing formats.

The big news for progressive rock fans is the upcoming release of a 40th Anniversary Edition of 2112, the essential Rush album originally released way back in 1976. The fourth album from the popular Canadian trio (who is a lock for the upcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013) helped to solidify the band's developing fanbase especially after the earlier release of the engaging Caress of Steel in 1975.

Since 2112, Rush, who consists (still) of Geddy Lee (bass/keys/vocals), Alex Lifeson (guitars), and Neil Peart (drums/percussion), have released 15 studio efforts including the multi-platinum Moving Pictures (1981). Their fans are legion, and incredibly loyal.

On December 18, those loyal fans will be able to get their hands on the remastered album set, which is intended to also contain 5.1 Surround mixes of the original album.

While the standard CD re-release will be an important part of the reissue of 2112, the most coveted part will be the included DVD-Audio, or, if preferred, the emerging Blu-ray Audio disc, both containing the hi-res versions of 2112 as well as the anticipated 5.1 Surround tracks.

In addition to those two Mercury Records packages, a third, highly collectible Super Deluxe package (with Blu-ray Audio) will be made available. The complete details are not available for the moment. But in the interest of informing Morton Report readers, we hope that this preliminary report will get you excited.

Matt Rowe began his life with an AM radio, listening to anything that was considered music. Since, he has labored intently to build a collection of music, paring it down, rebuilding, and refining as he sees fit. His decided goal is to keep up with new music by panning for the nuggets among literal mountains…